Share this:

Chris Mortensen of ESPN wrote that the market for 49ers’ quarterback Alex Smith is cold. According to Mortensen, the Browns signing Smith is a long shot, and the Jets apparently can’t afford him. The Chiefs are more interested in draft-eligible players and the 49ers would like to block any move to Arizona.

So where does that leave Smith? Is the solution keeping Smith with the team where he would earn $7.5 million as Colin Kaepernick’s backup?

Team chemistry has to be considered. Smith would likely be the good soldier, but what would other players think? 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said he is Alex Smith’s friend. If that’s the case, he wouldn’t keep Smith a 49er against his will.

Some players were upset Smith was benched; how would they react if he was forced to be a backup? That could have serious repercussions for team chemistry.

The solution? Tell Smith he can go anywhere he wants except Arizona, or he can stay with the 49ers. It may turn out that the best scenario for Smith and the 49ers is for Smith to stay in San Francisco red and gold.